Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Cathedral Park Newcastle
Conservation Management
& Interpretation Plan
www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au version 3.0 September 2013
September 2013 | 2
Production Cathedral Park Newcastle Conservation Management and Interpretation Plan
Was prepared by the City of Newcastle Strategic Planning Services
Enquiries For information about this document contact:
The City of Newcastle
Phone: +61 2 4974 2785
Published by The City of Newcastle
282 King Street, Newcastle
Phone: +61 2 4974 2000
Post: PO Box 489
Newcastle NSW 2300 Australia
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au
September 2013
© 2013 The City of Newcastle
September 2013 | 2
September 2013 | 4
Table of contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..................................................................................................................... 5
1.0 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 7
1.1 Objectives ............................................................................................................................. 7 1.2 Scope .................................................................................................................................... 7 1.3 Study Area ............................................................................................................................ 7 1.4 Heritage Listings.................................................................................................................... 8 1.5 Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................... 8
2.0 HISTORICAL OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................... 10
2.1 Christ Church Burial Ground ............................................................................................... 10 2.4 Christ Church Cemetery Burial Registers ............................................................................ 15 2.5 Mulimbah ............................................................................................................................. 16
3.0 SITE REVIEW .............................................................................................................................. 19
3.1 Site Use ............................................................................................................................... 19 3.2 Built Elements ..................................................................................................................... 19 3.3 Monuments ......................................................................................................................... 20 3.4 Archaeological Deposits/Burials .......................................................................................... 23 3.5 Vegetation ........................................................................................................................... 23 3.6 Landscape Character .......................................................................................................... 24 3.7 Heritage Curtilage ............................................................................................................... 24
4.0 HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE ........................................................................................................ 25
4.1 Significance Assessment .................................................................................................... 25 4.2 Statement of Significance .................................................................................................... 29 4.3 Constraint and Obligations .................................................................................................. 30
5.0 CONSERVATION POLICY .......................................................................................................... 31
5.1 Fabric and Setting ............................................................................................................... 31 5.2 Use ...................................................................................................................................... 32 5.3 Interpretation ....................................................................................................................... 32 5.4 Management ....................................................................................................................... 32
6.0 INTERPRETATION GUIDELINES ............................................................................................... 34
6.1 Objective ............................................................................................................................. 34 6.1 Audience Analysis ............................................................................................................... 34 6.2 Identification of Themes ...................................................................................................... 34 6.3 Interpretive Strategies ......................................................................................................... 34 6.4 Interpretive Media ................................................................................................................ 35
7.0 RECOMMENDATIONS................................................................................................................ 37
7.1 Care and Conserve Monuments.......................................................................................... 37 7.2 Design to enhance heritage significance ............................................................................. 38 7.3 Maintenance ........................................................................................................................ 40 7.4 Interpretation ....................................................................................................................... 40 7.5 Security ............................................................................................................................... 40 7.6 Risk Assessment & Disability Audit ..................................................................................... 40 7.7 Public Comment & Community Involvement ....................................................................... 41
8.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY .......................................................................................................................... 42
9.0 APPENDICES .............................................................................................................................. 44
Appendix A Maintenance Survey, July 2006................................................................................ 45 Appendix B. Maintenance Guidelines .......................................................................................... 46
September 2013 | 5
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY1
Cathedral Park has outstanding cultural, social and scientific significance to the City of
Newcastle. Uniquely, it is both parkland and a place of human burial; a place where
recreation and heritage conservation occupy the same space.
Cathedral Park can offer a dynamic experience to visitors; as a place of learning and
interaction with the city’s history and stories, and as a place for relaxation and recreation,
within walking distance of the city centre.
The park has a unique set of attributes that make it both fascinating and historically
important. It is a place of remembrance for the surviving descendants of the 3300
individuals buried in Cathedral Park, and is acknowledged as a site of outstanding
archaeological importance. The remains could yield information about public health, living
standards, disease, and the cultural and religious practices of the 19th century. It is
located adjacent to one of Newcastle’s most iconic buildings, the Christ Church
Cathedral, a destination that attracts thousands of visitors each year. The park offers
outstanding views of the city, the harbour and the eastern coastline.
This plan explores a series of options for improving the presentation of the park while
offering opportunities for visitors to engage with its history and stories.
It is recommended that the surviving cemetery monuments are managed as artefacts and
used as segues to the history of the city. Within this context the monuments are to be
stabilised off site and then returned to the original site of burial. This plan establishes that
it is critical to reset the monuments to their respective plots if the former burial ground is
to be acknowledged on site. These actions are critical if the heritage significance of the
park is to be fully revealed.
This plan recommends the following approach:
• Each monument is to be returned to the position shown on the survey plan
1 This document was written by Sarah Skillen and Sarah Cameron of the City of Newcastle in 2007. The plan was updated in August 2012, following exhibition and adoption of the Cathedral Park Master Plan, and republished in September 2013.
September 2013 | 6
• Each monument is to be stabilised using expert guidance prior to its return to known
site of burial. Monumental conservation is to be informed by heritage best practice.
• Any landscape design for the park should support the resetting of monuments to the
positions surveyed in 1966.
• Improvements to landscaping and facilities are to be designed and executed to the
highest standard of public domain planning and urban design.
• Heritage interpretation is to be incorporated into the landscape design.
• The burial register is to inform a memorial for the site to satisfy the Christ Church
Newcastle Cemetery Act, 1966.
September 2013 | 7
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Objectives
The purpose of this plan is to identify directions for interpreting and conserving Cathedral
Park. In recognition of the park’s significant value to the community as both a park and a
heritage item, this document will:
• Provide a brief historical context of the site;
• Analyse the physical evidence of the site;
• Review the management and maintenance of the site;
• Determine the heritage significance of Cathedral Park;
• Provide guidelines for conservation management, and importantly, the future
presentation and interpretation of the site.
Understanding the heritage values of Cathedral Park will guide the development of the
Master Plan for the site. A thorough understanding of the history of Cathedral Park is
required to ensure it is managed by council in accordance with its heritage significance.
1.2 Scope
The scope of this project is as follows:
• Research the history of the Cathedral Park;
• Describe the current condition of Cathedral Park;
• Assess the heritage values of the site and prepare a statement of significance;
• Provide recommendations for care and preservation of surviving cemetery
artefacts;
• Formulate policy guidelines for management of the Park in the context of its
heritage significance.
• Suggest a plan for interpreting the site that will form the basis of a landscape
master plan.
1.3 Study Area
Cathedral Park comprises the former burial ground of Christ Church, and the site of the
demolished house “Mulimbah”.
Cathedral Park is classified as Community Land under the Local Government Act 1993.
The real property address is 93 King Street, The Hill, Lot 1 DP 36886. The park is zoned
RE1 Recreation in Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012.
September 2013 | 8
1.4 Heritage Listings
NSW Heritage Act 1977 – State Heritage Register
• The Christ Church Cathedral, Moveable Collections, Cemetery and Park are
affected by a listing on the NSW State Heritage Register, Item no. 01858, 28
June 2011, gazette No. 64, page 4647.
Newcastle LEP
• Cathedral Park and Cemetery is identified as an Archaeological site of State
Significance in the Newcastle Local Environment Plan 2012;
• The site is located within The Hill Heritage Conservation Area - Local
Environment Plan 2012;
• Christ Church Cathedral, is listed as a Heritage Item of State Significance - Local
Environment Plan 2012;
• Listed on State Heritage Inventory held by the City of Newcastle - record number
2170295.
National Trust Register
• The land is affected by a listing of the 1993 National Trust Register
Plan of Management
• Cathedral Park is identified as a culturally significant place in the Heritage Places
Strategic Plan and Plans of Management 2000 – Cathedral Park section;
1.5 Acknowledgements
It would not have been possible to define the heritage significance of Cathedral Park
without the research of Brian Engel and Margaret Roulston, published by the Newcastle
Family History Society Inc in 2010. We wish to thank Dr Engel for giving us a copy of his
research database and the Society for allowing us to mine their comprehensive
publication on the site.
For his wisdom and expertise in relation to converted cemeteries we gratefully
acknowledge the assistance of Dr George Gibbons, Cemeteries Officer (former) of the
National Trust of Australia (NSW).
We also thank the following for their invaluable contribution to this document:
Dr James Rigney, Dean, Christ Church Cathedral
Cemeteries Committee of the National Trust of Australia (NSW)
City of Newcastle staff, Judy Barnard, Sandra Wood, Susan Ryan, Barry Marriot
September 2013 | 9
University of Newcastle Cultural Collections
Newcastle and Hunter District Historical Society Inc
Suzanne Martin
Dr Rosemary Bunker
Descendants
September 2013 | 10
2.0 HISTORICAL OVERVIEW Cathedral Park comprises two portions of land that were acquired by Newcastle City
Council at different times. For this reason the historical overview has been divided into
two parts. Part 2.1 contains the historical background to the burial ground portion,
summarised from various historical sources, including the City of Newcastle archives and
records, and the archaeological report prepared by Austral Archaeology in 2004.
Figure 1 -
Lycett, Joseph,
ca. 1775-1828.
Newcastle, New
South Wales,
nla.pic-
an7690948
National Library of
Australia.
Early pictorial and
documentary
evidence, such as this painting, show the Church on the hill, and its dominant site above the town.
Part 2.2 outlines the acquisition of this land by Newcastle City Council and its conversion
to a Rest Park. Part 2.3 provides a historical background to the Mulimbah cottage site in
the north west corner of the park, compiled from a report by Eckford Johnson Partners
Pty Ltd in 1990 and Council records.
2.1 Christ Church Burial Ground
Despite the establishment of a permanent settlement at Newcastle from 1804, there was
no formal place of burial until 1817. Engel writes that originally burials would have been
performed randomly on vacant land or near dwellings (Engel 2010, p.299). Writing in the
Newcastle Morning Herald in 1898, Huntington reported that colliers were buried behind
the Cathedral as early as 1802. More reliably perhaps is an entry in the Sydney Gazette
and New South Wales Advertiser of 29 April 1804, which refers to the burial of a seaman
near the site of the first church. There are several other mentions of burials near to the
present day Christ Church in occasional newspaper reports of the period.
The burial ground was officially proclaimed by the Commandant, Captain James Wallis,
in 1817. A three and a half acre church yard was set aside for burial purposes on the
September 2013 | 11
slope next to the church. In 1818, Governor Macquarie visited Newcastle in the company
of Rev. William Cowper to open Christ Church as the first church outside Sydney. On 2
August 1818, Cowper performed several baptisms and marriages and these records are
now held in the Colonial Secretary’s papers.
Government Town
The site was fenced and the area allocated for burials reduced when the town was
surveyed in 1822-23 by Henry Dangar. The plan for the town was based on a grid
system, with a rectangular site designated for church and burial ground, flanked to west
and east by rows for housing facing onto Wolfe and Newcomen Streets.
Figure 2 – Christ
Church and burial
ground. Image courtesy
Newcastle Region
Library
Figure 3 - The old
Christ Church after
removal of the tower
(post 1868).
Image courtesy
Newcastle Region
Library
Development & Expansion
The Christ Church burial ground was the only one in Newcastle until the Presbyterian,
Roman Catholic and Wesleyan Methodist burial grounds opened at Honeysuckle Point
near Cottage Creek in the 1840s. The Christ Church burial ground continued to be used
for Anglican burials.
September 2013 | 12
By 1859 the site was reduced to 1 acre, 3 roods and 6 perches, with King Street forming
the northern boundary. In 1869 King Street was lowered and levelled and a stone
retaining wall constructed on the boundary of the burial ground.
Figure 4 - The original
Christ Church with
footings laid out in
preparation for the
construction of the new
Cathedral, c.1885. The
fenced burial ground at
left. Image courtesy
Newcastle Region
Library.
The second half of
the 19th century was
a period of rapid growth in Newcastle. A large number of burials date from the decade
between 1860 and 1870. As Newcastle grew, the space limitations of the burial ground,
together with the perceived risk to health arising from the proximity of burials to a large
population, prompted moves to open a new general cemetery outside of the city.
Closure & Neglect
Burials ceased in the early 1880s when the Sandgate cemetery was opened, and for
some years the Christ Church graveyard fell into disrepair. Throughout the first half of the
20th century it became increasingly more neglected as the descendants of those in the
cemetery themselves passed away. This was particularly so because the role of the site
as a burial ground was no longer current, and those buried there were all but gone from
public memory.
Figure 5 - The eastern
portion of the burial
ground in 1925, and the
unfinished Christ
Church Cathedral.
Image courtesy of
Newcastle Region
Library.
September 2013 | 13
Figure 6 - A view of the burial ground in 1934, with harbour and city below.
Image courtesy of Newcastle region Library
During the 1930s and 40s various uses and possibilities for developing the area were
suggested but none came to fruition. In 1958 Newcastle City Council approached the
Dean and Trustees of the Church, seeking to turn the burial ground into a “rest park for
public use”. The following photographs, taken in the early 1960s, show how overgrown
and poorly maintained it was at that time and the deteriorated condition of many of the
graves.
Figure 7 - The overgrown burial
ground in 1961. Hannell monument
at right. Image courtesy of Newcastle
Region Library.
Cemetery Conversion Act
In 1961, church authorities agreed to long held requests by the Council to allow Council
to acquire the cemetery for conversion to a public park. In order for the church lands to
be subdivided to enable a transfer and conversion to occur, a special Act of NSW
parliament was passed, giving the majority of the land to Council for conversion to a
public ‘rest park’. The balance of the land was vested with the Trustees of the Newcastle
Diocese, who leased the eastern portion to the Newcastle Club. Council undertook the
work to create an at-grade car park for the Newcastle Club.
The Christ Church Cathedral, Newcastle, Cemetery Act 1966 (Appendix B) was passed
in mid 1966. The Act contained conditions which legally bound both parties to undertake
September 2013 | 14
certain works. The Minister for Lands was appointed arbitrator in any disputes between
the Council and the trustees.
Conditions of the Act were:
• Photographic record of surviving monuments;
• Record all inscriptions, linked to the photographic register by number;
• Burial plan/ survey of monuments;
• Removal of headstones if council chose to remove them;
• Allow descendants the option of removal of remains and/or monuments;
• Creation of a pathway to the cathedral from the park;
• Erection of a memorial;
• Erection of a fence on the east and west boundaries to the church lands;
• Landscaping and use as a park.
In turn, the church trustees were required to allow Council access to church land for any
purpose related to the building of the park or its maintenance in perpetuity.
Site recording
As a condition of the Act, the site was officially recorded – each gravestone was
photographed, its inscription recorded and location surveyed and plotted on a plan.
Figure 8 - The former
burial ground prior to
park conversion, 1962.
Removal of gravestones
Council was required to give three months public notice that the headstones were to be
removed; to allow for removal of headstones and to allow exhumation of burials. Only
September 2013 | 15
one request to remove a headstone was received by the 1967 deadline.2 A list of
headstones with legible inscriptions was collated with the intention of preserving them in
a memorial wall, however this never eventuated. Instead, 84 gravestones were lifted and
placed along the eastern boundary of the site, facing west. The other headstones were
used for retaining walls, both in the park and at Blackbutt Reserve.
Hannell Monument
The most substantial monument, to James and Mary Hannell, was retained in the centre
of the upper section of the site, on Church land. The retention of this monument provides
an accurate datum for future surveys, as it remains in its surveyed position of 1966.
Park Construction
Construction work on the new rest park began in 1969. A new entrance through the
stone wall onto King Street was created, along with a ramp, steps and a waterfall feature,
and general landscaping. Apart from the lower portion of the site in the vicinity of the
water feature, the extent of ground disturbance is unknown.
Figure 9 - The landscaped section of the King Street side of the park, c.1972. Image
courtesy of Newcastle Region Library.
2.4 Christ Church Cemetery Burial Registers
In 2010, the Newcastle Family History Society Inc published the Christ Church
transcriptions and indexes to baptisms, marriages and burial registers in a single
volume3. This publication has made available an extensive amount of information about
the cemetery that was previously unknown. In particular, the research indicates that the
total number of burials in the park exceeds 3300, with the earliest in 1802 and the last
legal burial in 1884. Several “illegal” burials were made after closure in 1884, including
that of Elizabeth Hannell.
The only known burial plan of the cemetery was made in 1966 by Newcastle City
Council, just prior to its conversion. Of the 3300 recorded burials contained in the burial
register, only 258 monuments survived in 1966 when the survey was made. So, in the
absence of the systematic removal of below ground interments by Council, it is
reasonable to conclude that the majority of burials survive, with some localised
exceptions. Significant disturbance is evident in images dating from 1972, in the vicinity
2 The sole headstone removed was that of Archibald Clunes Innes, which was moved to the Anglican Cemetery in Port Macquarie by the Port Macquarie & District Historical Society. The burial of Innes was not disturbed and it remains in Cathedral Park. 3 ISBN: 9781875916597 (pbk)
September 2013 | 16
of King Street (in the vicinity of the waterfall and retaining walls) and adjacent to the
Newcastle Club carpark where extensive cut and fill is known to have occurred.
Figure 10 - The new
rockeries and retaining
walls, 1972.
Figure 11 - A view of the
Cathedral and newly
converted Rest Park,
1972.
2.5 Mulimbah
The smaller portion of land making up Cathedral Park, in the north-western corner, is the
site of the former house “Mulimbah”. Following the implementation of the 1823 Town
Plan, lots 124-127, on the corner of King and Wolfe Streets, were bought in 1836 by an
early settler, Simon Kemp, who came from England in 1827 to work for the Australian
Agricultural Company. He made significant contributions to the early development of
Newcastle as an innkeeper, entrepreneur, as a foreman in the convict construction of the
breakwater to Nobbys in the 1830s and 40s, and as an alderman of Newcastle Council in
the 1860s. He was elected mayor of Newcastle in 1866. In the early 1840s Kemp built a
house on the site, called Mulimbah. The origins of the name are unclear, however it is
thought it is in reference to an Aboriginal name for the area.
September 2013 | 17
Figure 12 - Mulimbah in February 1891, with the burial ground visible.
After the death of Simon Kemp and his wife Mary Anne (both were buried in the Christ
Church burial ground), their daughter and her husband, a Parnell, continued to live in the
house.
Figure 13 - The Parnell family outside their home Mulimbah in 1891.
September 2013 | 18
Figure 14 – A neglected Mulimbah and the overgrown Cathedral burial grounds in 1951.
The only other family to live there was the Croft family, and by 1947 it had fallen vacant.
The Anglican Diocese purchased it in 1953. The house was demolished in about 1954,
but after a number of abortive attempts to redevelop the site, it was transferred to
Newcastle City Council in 1987 as part of an exchange of properties, and now forms the
north western section of Cathedral Park.
Figure 15 - 1972 - site of former Mulimbah cottage.
September 2013 | 19
3.0 SITE REVIEW The park covers a total area of 0.94 ha, bounded by King Street, Wolfe Street,
Christchurch Cathedral grounds and the Newcastle Club grounds, comprising central
section (former burial ground) 0.7 ha with frontage to King Street, and western section
(former Mulimbah cottage site) 0.24 ha with frontage to King and Wolfe Streets. A fall of
20 m from the high point below Cathedral to the north, and north-west to King Street give
general falls of around 1 in 5 across the site. Pedestrian access from the lower side of
the park is steep. Given these grades, the provision of disabled access would be
extremely difficult.
3.1 Site Use
The current use of the site is open space recreation.
3.2 Built Elements
Roads/Paths
Concrete footpaths and steps with metal handrails, leading from the King Street
entrance, were constructed during the phase of park development in the early 1970s.
The paths have lifted in places due to soil movement/tree root action.
Fence/Gate
The site is bounded to the north and west by high sandstone retaining walls. The eastern
edge adjoining the Newcastle Club car-park is bounded by a mesh and barbed wire
fence. The park also features a series of terraced areas, supported by 1970s style
landscaping rocks. Many of these retaining walls are damaged and require attention.
A set of wrought iron gates originally installed in Maitland Town Hall in 1890 were
presented to Newcastle City Council in 1971 for erection in the King Street entrance to
Cathedral Park. These gates were later returned to Maitland City Council for re-
instatement at the Town Hall. There are presently no gates in the park.
Buildings
There are no buildings in the park. However, the footings and archaeological remains of
the former house “Mulimbah” in the north-western corner of the park survive under the
surface, and are an important historical feature of the park.
September 2013 | 20
Picnic Tables/Seats
There are a number of seats, picnic tables and rubbish bins provided throughout the
park. The maintenance and upgrade of these provisions appears to be minimal, as
illustrated in the following photographs.
3.3 Monuments
Cemeteries are an expression of community. The changing styles, designs, symbolism
and iconography of grave memorials usually parallel developments of other cultural
values, beliefs or philosophies.
The inscriptions on grave monuments can contain
considerable information relating to social history,
genealogy, and demography. Analysis of materials
used and design of graves and monuments also
provides information on the source of available raw
materials and the local crafts and industry (stone
masons, iron foundries, lime and cement industries,
brick making and ceramics). Layout of graves can reveal the way a cemetery developed,
or indicate relationships among those interred.
September 2013 | 21
The significance of monuments is greatly reduced if
they are removed from their context. It is the National
Trust's policy, in accordance with Article 9 of the
Burra Charter, that grave markers should not be
relocated or rearranged except in exceptional
circumstances. In particular, monuments should not
be placed in artificial rows.
Due to the conversion of the Christ Church burial
ground to a public park, the original layout of graves
is no longer physically evident and many headstones
were destroyed in the process of converting the
cemetery into a park.
However, prior to park conversion, the inscriptions
and locations of the 258 headstones in the Christ Church burial ground were recorded
and photographed. An accurate survey plan was also made by council’s surveyors.
Given this, it is possible to identify the locations of the burials and reinstate the
headstones for each of the recorded burials. Although only 84 headstones are currently
extant in the park, it is feasible to reinstate them to their burial location based on the
survey and the photographs made in 1966. An accurate revival of a reasonable
proportion of the original layout is therefore feasible.
Design styles & Symbolism
The monument design styles found in Cathedral Park include examples of both Georgian
and Victorian architectural styles. The demand for individual graves marked by the work
of specialist monumental masons had its origins in England in the Georgian era.
Georgian styles are characterised by simple forms, and include headstones with sculpted
semicircular or pedimented tops. In the Victorian era, new funeral customs were adopted.
Funerals took on the character of an elaborate and complex event, of which the placing
of elaborate and complex monuments on graves was part. Late Victorian styles featured
arched or gabled tops, embellished with architectural devices such as crockets, cusps,
columns, corbels or buttresses. Classically inspired draped or garlanded urns were also
commonly used as headstone surmounts or appear on top of substantial pedestals or
columns. Many symbols were used on monuments, some of which had several
meanings. Some notable symbols on the remaining headstones in Cathedral Park
include: obelisk, scroll, wreath, urn, shroud, shield, floral emblem, rope, column, hand,
cross, and an angel.
September 2013 | 22
Construction materials
The majority of the relocated monuments in the park are constructed from sandstone,
with some examples of white marble.
Condition
The surviving monuments are in varying conditions and degrees of deterioration, largely
due to their age, material and exposure to the elements. In urban environments,
weathering is accelerated by atmospheric pollution caused by car exhausts and industry.
Sandstone is very porous and is particularly susceptible to moisture absorption. The
coastal environment of Newcastle and the amount of salt in the air would be contributing
to an increased rate of deterioration.
The monuments are in a critical stage, where the need for urgent completion of repairs
must be recognised. Once monuments have lost their structural integrity, deterioration
usually increases. In general, the longer a damaged monument remains in disrepair, the
more difficult repair becomes. The main problems in the overall condition of the
monuments are:
• Biological activity - lichen, mould or mildew found on surface
• Blistering/flaking/scaling/powdering - small or isolated areas missing or loose
surface
• Delamination - stone splitting off in layers
• Erosion - sections of stone worn off, usually from wind or water
• Fragmentation - sections of stone broken into many parts
• Soiling - surface is covered with dirt
• Tilted/fallen/sunken – stone not in original alignment or partly below surface
September 2013 | 23
Grave Surrounds
In the era in which this burial ground was in use timber picket and decorative wrought
iron grave surrounds were popular. Old photographs indicate the use of grave surrounds,
and evidence a high degree of accomplishment that may have been the work of local
foundries and blacksmiths. None of these decorative railings survive intact after their
destruction during park conversion.
3.4 Archaeological Deposits/Burials
As a former burial ground, the site contains significant archaeological deposits which
contribute to the significance of the site and have the potential to yield information not
available from other sources. This would include health and diet in the 19th century, infant
mortality and public health. The site should be treated with dignity and respect as a
sacred space, and with minimal disturbance of sub-surface features.
3.5 Vegetation
African olive (Olea africana) trees across lower area of western section, probably self
seeded from original plantings in grounds of Mulimbah Cottage;
Banksia in upper area of central section;
Fig in central section;
Palm on Wolfe Street edge of western section
Tuckeroo throughout eastern section. The Tuckeroos were planted in the late 1980s and
early 1990s.
September 2013 | 24
3.6 Landscape Character
The character of the Park landscape is primarily steep. With its setting immediately below
Christchurch Cathedral, and outlook over the harbour, the park has the potential to be
one of the most interesting public open spaces in the city centre, with historical
associations of great significance dating back to the origins of the city.
Examination of images of the cemetery in the 19th century, reveals a bare hill with little
vegetation. Following its closure in the 1880s, vegetation grew unchecked until the mid
20th century.
The conversion process from the early 1970s involved the construction of retaining walls,
rockeries, a concrete pathway, stairs, waterfall and pond feature, and plantings.
3.7 Heritage Curtilage
“Heritage curtilage” means the area of land surrounding an item or area of heritage
significance which is essential for retaining and interpreting its heritage significance. A
curtilage should contain evidence of any cultural associations as well as providing a
visual and aesthetic context for the item. Things to consider are design style and taste,
functional uses, inter-relationships, visual links, scale and vegetation.
Items identified as significant elements contributing to the Cathedral Park site are:
Christ Church Cathedral to the South, the Newcastle Club to the East, and the Segenhoe
Apartments to the West. Items identified as detracting from the park are: the carpark
opposite, blocking views of the inter-relationship between the church grounds and the
market square and interfering with the visual links to the city and the harbour.
September 2013 | 25
4.0 HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE 4.1 Significance Assessment
Based on the available documentary and physical evidence, the significance of Cathedral
Park is assessed as follows:
Historical Significance
Criterion (a) An item is important in the course, or pattern, of NSW’s or the local area’s
cultural or natural history.
Criterion (b) An item has strong or special association with the life or work of a person
or group of persons, of importance in the cultural or natural history of
NSW or the local area.
• Cathedral Park is historically significant for its strong associations with a number
of individuals and families whose lives contributed to the development of the city
of Newcastle. The former burial ground contains the remains and headstones of
convicts and early pioneers, numbering some 3300 internments in total.
• Cathedral Park is important for its direct historical association with the Penal
Settlement 1802 - 1822, Governor Lachlan Macquarie and Captain James Wallis,
the Church of England, the 1822-23 Town Plan, the phase of the Government
Town 1823-1853, and the period of expansion from 1853 – 1900. It is also
important for its associations with Simon Kemp, a foreman on the Breakwater
and early alderman, and his house, Mulimbah, constructed in the 1840s.
• It is important as one of the earliest burial grounds in the colony, and of the
period prior to the segregation of denominations in cemeteries. It is
demonstrative of a period when the Church of England accepted all
denominations in their burial grounds.
• The extant cemetery fabric demonstrates the religious philosophies and changing
attitudes to death and its commemoration during a fixed period of the 19th century
– between 1817 and 1884.
• Cathedral Park, as a cultural artefact, possesses significant documentary and
physical evidence of the evolution of the place – its role as the first burial ground
in Newcastle, together with its closure, neglect and conversion to a “rest park”
form an important part of the story of Newcastle.
• The closure of the cemetery in 1884 provides evidence of the legal conflict
between the Newcastle Borough Council and the trustees of Christ Church which
led to the demise of the cemetery and its neglected state into the mid 20th
century.
September 2013 | 26
Aesthetic Significance
Criterion (c) An item is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or
high degree of creative or technical achievement in NSW or the local
area.
• Cathedral Park contains numerous headstones which reflect a range of styles
and materials of the period, the skill of local stonemasons, and the tastes,
sentiments, rituals and attitudes of the local community during the 19th century
toward death and mortality.
• The prominence of the Park on the hill and its position adjacent to the
Christchurch Cathedral lends itself to an overall aesthetic significance.
• The demarcation of the boundaries with high sandstone retaining walls are a
significant historic feature and contribute to the character of the site.
• Although the cemetery landscape has been compromised, the act of conversion
to a park effectively preserved the open space on the northern side of the
Cathedral, and consequently the town plan laid out in 1822-23 by surveyor Henry
Dangar is still legible.
• Visual links with Newcastle harbour, and the proximity of the park to the
commercial centre of Newcastle is an important aspect of the nature, history and
significance of the site.
Social Significance
Criterion (d) An item has strong or special association with a particular community or
cultural group in NSW or the local area for social, cultural or spiritual
reasons.
• The site of the burial ground and the remaining cemetery artefacts on the site are
of special spiritual significance to the descendants of those interred there.
• The site of the burial ground provides an important link to family for the
descendant community. It is valued as a place for family history research among
the descendant community.
• Cathedral Park has strong associations for social, cultural and spiritual reasons
with the past and contemporary community of Newcastle, an area settled early in
the development of the colony of New South Wales.
Research/Technical Significance
Criterion (e) An item has potential to yield information that will contribute to an
understanding of NSW’s or the local area’s cultural or natural history.
September 2013 | 27
• Cathedral Park is a significant cultural landscape with strong potential to yield
information that will contribute to an understanding of the cultural history of
Newcastle and New South Wales.
• The burial ground was one of the earliest in NSW and contains interments which
date to the earliest phase of European occupation of Australia.
• The site has considerable interpretive and educational potential as a resource for
the study of subjects such as landscape design, funerary monuments, town
planning, social history and genealogy.
• The archaeological deposits of human remains have strong potential to reveal
significant information, not available from documentary sources, about
Newcastle’s early population – their general health, diet and disease, life
expectancy, physical appearance, growth rates, origins and relationships, trauma
and occupational stress as well as the potential to yield information on burial
practices and patterns and funerary rites.
• The footings and remains of Mulimbah represent one of the few examples of
Georgian architecture still remaining in Newcastle.
Rarity
Criterion (f) An item possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of NSW’s or
the local area’s cultural or natural history.
• The Christchurch burial grounds, in its original form, would have been highly
significant as the earliest European burial place in Newcastle, and as one of the
earliest in NSW and Australia.
• By virtue of its early date of commencement, historical associations and surviving
monuments, the site possesses rare aspects of NSW’s cultural history. However
its conversion to a park, and subsequent removal and relocation of gravestones
from their original location has detracted from its significance.
• Cathedral Park is rare as a burial ground in an urban city environment containing
undisturbed burials dating from the convict era. It is one of the oldest that is still
accessible and undeveloped.
• Cathedral Park is amongst a small group of converted cemeteries, believed to be
about 10 to 15 in NSW and is uncommon for this reason.
Representativeness
Criterion (g) An item is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a
class of NSW’s or the local area’s cultural or natural places, or cultural or
natural environments.
September 2013 | 28
• The monuments still extant in the park, while not in their original layout, are
representative of the European settlement and development of Newcastle.
• The site of the former burial ground is the only space of its kind in the Newcastle
CBD.
• The gravestones are not only monuments to individuals, but are also
representative of community tastes, fashions and customs of the period, and of
the craft and trade of stonemasonry of the period.
• The burial ground represents a commemorative landscape inscribed with layers
of meanings and memories, both individual and collective, private and public.
Integrity
The integrity of the physical and documentary evidence must be such to enable a sound
analysis of the significance of a place. Loss of integrity or condition may diminish
significance. Different components of a place may make a different relative contribution
to its heritage value.
• The original fabric of this site has been altered significantly, however it retains
some monuments and all or most burial remains. The place retains integrity
sufficient to enable a sound analysis of its significance.
• The integrity of the below ground burials remains extremely high, except for the
northern landscaped section containing the water feature which has most likely
been disturbed during construction of this feature.
Grading of Significance
No. Item/Description Location Heritage rating
Comment or heritage recommendations
1 32 standing
headstones and 52
horizontal gravestones
moved to east
boundary of site from
former location in
burial ground
Eastern
boundary
adjacent to
Newcastle
Club carpark
Exceptional
to High
Should be carefully
conserved and maintained.
Suitable re-instatement or
redesign of the immediate
landscape is
recommended to prevent
further damage during
maintenance.
2 Stone monument to
James Hannell 1813-
1876 and wife Mary
Hannell 1819-1884
Southern
boundary,
central
Exceptional As the only monument
retained in-situ it should
continue to be carefully
conserved and maintained.
3 Sandstone retaining Northern and High No changes to sandstone
September 2013 | 29
walls to King and
Wolfe Streets
western
boundaries
walls facing except for
maintenance and repair.
4 Remains of footings,
steps and site works of
Mulimbah Cottage
North
western
section of
park
High Should be carefully
conserved, maintained,
and interpreted.
5 Fig tree and Date
Palms
Throughout Moderate Prune and feed per
horticultural best practice
guidelines.
6 African olive (Olea
Africana), Banksia,
Tuckeroos
Throughout Intrusive Such plantings should be
removed to revive the
sense of sparseness.
7 Waterfall, pond,
rockeries, bush rock
retaining walls
Throughout Intrusive Remove or conceal.
8 Lamp posts4 Lower portion Low Explore lighting options.
Posts can be removed if
required.
9 Burials, archaeological
deposits
Throughout
original burial
plot
Exceptional No excavations for any
reason should be
undertaken in this site
without an archaeological
permit. A specialist
archaeologist should be
present during such work.
4.2 Statement of Significance
As one of the earliest European burial sites in the country, and as part of the centrepiece
of Henry Dangar’s plan for the town of Newcastle, Cathedral Park is central to an
appreciation of the early history of Newcastle and the development of the Hunter Region.
It is historically significant for its association with the earliest phases of European
settlement of Newcastle: first, as a penal colony, then government town, and then during
its expansion and coalmining phase. As a burial ground, it contains the physical remains,
both below ground and in the form of grave monuments, of those interred there. As such
it continues to be a sacred place for descendants and the broader community alike. As
artefacts of the former burial ground, the remaining grave monuments have the potential
4 Several cast iron lamp posts in Council’s works depot were removed from Birdwood Park in 1970 when King Street was extended. It was intended that these posts would be erected in Cathedral Park. Works have not been carried out to execute this and the posts remain in the depot.
September 2013 | 30
to evoke the spiritual and contemplative ambience of the place. Cathedral Park has been
assessed as having a high level of local significance and a moderate level of significance
to the State of NSW.
4.3 Constraint and Obligations
Physical constraints arising from the significance of the site are:
• No alterations to the boundaries, fabric, setting or uses of the site should be
made without reference to this plan and consideration of its heritage values.
Obligations arising from the statement of significance are:
• The site and the fabric of significance should be conserved, in accordance with
the principles embodied in the Burra Charter.
• The history and significance of the site should be interpreted to the public.
• The original burial ground boundaries should be preserved.
• The boundaries of the burial ground provide the physical evidence of Henry
Dangar’s 1828 plan for Newcastle and no further changes should be made that
alters the park boundaries.
• The site should be treated with dignity and respect.
September 2013 | 31
5.0 CONSERVATION POLICY Cathedral Park should be conserved as a place of outstanding heritage significance and
as a place of enjoyment and contemplation for the City of Newcastle. The overall intent is
for the site to remain undisturbed. Planning for the site should be linked to significance as
a cultural landscape. The preservation and maintenance of the surviving features of the
former burial ground is paramount to the retention of the significance and to an
understanding of the original use of the place as a site of human burial.
The primary objective of this Conservation Policy is to maintain and protect the cultural
significance of the site. The following policy objectives are intended to guide the
management of the Park.
5.1 Fabric and Setting
• Retain all historic monuments
All remaining grave monuments, regardless of condition, should be retained in
the park.
• Re-instate monuments to recorded burial position
All monuments that are in a stable condition and can be identified on the burial
plan of 1966 be reinstated to the position as shown on that plan. All burial
positions should be verified by survey on site prior to resetting of monuments.
• Repair monuments
All monuments that are broken, deteriorated or damaged should be repaired
under the guidance of a specialist conservator. The monuments that are laying
flat in the ground should be re-instated in an upright position as a matter of
urgency.
• Conserve archaeological features
No excavations should be carried out on this site without the advice of an
archaeologist, including the area of the former burial ground and the Mulimbah
cottage site in the south west section of the park.
• Retain historic landscape
All historic landscape features, such as the sandstone walls, identified in the
assessment of significance should be retained and conserved.
• Maintain historic landscape features
Develop a monitoring and maintenance schedule specifically for the Park’s
historic landscape elements, eg perimeter sandstone retaining walls, to ensure
September 2013 | 32
their longevity. Take a preventative maintenance approach with regards to the
perimeter walls.
• Retain/remove historic trees and planting
Identify and retain trees with historic significance. Identify and remove trees with
little or no significance.
• Maintain historic trees and planting
Develop a monitoring and maintenance schedule specifically for the Park’s
historic trees to ensure their longevity.
• Remove self seeding species
Identify and remove all self seeding species that cause maintenance problems.
• Retain and enhance visual links
Remove trees which detract from the view corridor of the city and harbour that
have no historic significance. Remove trees that are located over or adjacent to
the site of a known burial where it is feasible to reinstate the headstone.
5.2 Use
• The current use of the place as a public park, as prescribed in the Christ Church
Cathedral, Newcastle, Cemetery Act 1966, is appropriate to its heritage
significance. There should be no change in use of the site or changes to the
boundaries.
5.3 Interpretation
• Investigate, prepare and implement a detailed plan for interpreting the site,
considering all aspects of its history, significance, use and landscape.
• Develop and install consistent, well designed, and visually unobtrusive
interpretive media which does not obscure or reduce the cultural significance of
the place.
• Produce a high quality, cost effective interpretive publication to complement on-
site interpretation, and to link the site with other relevant places.
5.4 Management
• Conduct all future management and decision making processes with reference to
the park’s heritage significance.
• The park’s zoning as open space and its legal classification as community land
should continue in perpetuity.
• Develop and implement a set of clearly defined protocols or guidelines for the
maintenance of the area immediately surrounding the headstones.
September 2013 | 33
• Monitor the conditions of the surviving heritage items to ensure their condition is
not affected by maintenance or management issues.
• Obtain specialist conservation advice when planning to undertake major work on
the site involving changes to items with heritage significance.
• Ensure all major works carried out on the historical elements of the park are
adequately researched and documented, and filed for future reference.
September 2013 | 34
6.0 INTERPRETATION GUIDELINES 6.1 Objective
Cathedral Park, on the site of Newcastle’s first European burial ground, has substantial
cultural significance and the potential to be the focal point of interpreting the earliest
European settlement of the region, and the birth of the city. The site has spiritual and
community significance, and is also a significant archaeological site.
Interpretation in the context of this plan is the explanation of the history and significance
of the place to visitors. The overall objective is to present the park as a cultural artefact in
an inviting, safe and informative way. The following section provides a brief outline of the
relevant themes and stories – including history of the monuments, the people, the city
and the park, suggestions for the employment of interpretive strategies, and design
guidelines.
6.1 Audience Analysis
In order to understand the nature of the potential audience, further research and analysis
would be required. Opportunities exist in linking the park visitation with the Cathedral,
which currently attracts 80,000 visitors annually. There are regular coach groups, tours
by arts groups, RSL, and community groups visiting and it is favoured as a free
attraction, particularly by senior citizens.
6.2 Identification of Themes
The following historical themes, drawn from the thematic inventory of the Heritage
Council of NSW, are considered relevant to the site and could be used to draw out
stories of interest to visitors:
• Convict
• Environment – Cultural Landscape
• Birth and Death
• Persons
• Religion
• Technology
• Industry
6.3 Interpretive Strategies
A variety of strategies and media is available for interpreting heritage places. Items to
consider when developing interpretive material include: the resources available, the
September 2013 | 35
audience, condition and significance of the place, and utilisation of media that is visually
sympathetic to the character of the place. Planned interpretation for the site could
include, but is not limited to, the following:
• Newcastle as a Penal settlement
• Aboriginal life in the 19th century, Aboriginal country, Awabakal / Worimi
language, traditional owners
• Threlkeld and Biraban; relationship; contribution
• Infant mortality
• Religion
• Conflict between Council and Church during the 19th century
• Life and Death and public health
• Industry and shipping
• Notable people – Hannell, Kemp, Mary Martin
6.4 Interpretive Media
Interpretive installations should be designed with the audience in mind. The identification
of personal stories and narratives is important to engage visitors and to make personal
connections, rather than only relaying dates and dry facts. It is envisaged that this site
could be effectively interpreted in an interesting way using a combination of the following:
Signage
On site signage could include a combination of directional and interpretive signs,
designed and placed in an unobtrusive way, that complement the character of the site.
Directional - at key entry points and internal pathway intersections
Interpretive - carefully designed and worded, with evocative images illuminating the text.
Publications and on-line
An online exhibition could cover topics including:
• Date of establishment relative to the town or settlement
• Materials used in monuments, links with local quarrying, and any historical trends
• Interesting monuments or inscriptions
• A plan showing location and extent of original burial ground.
Tours
A series of themed walking tours could be developed in association with a local
historian/storyteller. These tours could me marketed to the tourist office, backpackers,
hotels, etc, and could include daytime tours to coincide with bus trips to the Cathedral,
and night time ghost tours in the style popular in many European cities.
September 2013 | 36
Trails
The site has an important connection to other heritage places in Newcastle, particularly
the convict sites, and hence could be incorporated and linked into a broader heritage
trail, by way of a self guided brochure.
Public Art
A possible interpretive technique is the use of artistic media to interpret the site. An artist
with a particular interest in history could be engaged to develop an installation in the park
that is evocative and thoughtful, and lends itself to creating meaning for visitors and
connections with the history of the site. Park furniture could be replaced with artistic
versions constructed from materials more suited to the specific environment and its
historical character, eg, sandstone, wrought iron, wood.
Landscape Design
The objective of landscaping the site would be to realise and reconcile its potential to
reveal layers of memory and meaning. A possible method of interpretation for the park is
the re-instatement of gravestones to their original positions throughout the site, in an
attempt to address their current unsympathetic presentation.
September 2013 | 37
7.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
The key recommendations for managing the park are as follows:
• Conserve all surviving monuments;
• improve presentation and functionality;
• In so far as is possible, reinstate the layout of monuments based on the available
evidence
• align maintenance protocols with heritage best practice;
• interpret the site;
• investigate funding opportunities.
7.1 Care and Conserve Monuments
The following recommendations are made in order to prolong the life of the monuments.
The 84 monuments remaining in Cathedral park contribute heritage significance to the
park. The care of monuments is based on heritage best practice, as follows -
Repair & Rejoining
Damaged monuments should be repaired following conservation advice and assistance
from an experienced conservator or monumental mason.
Cleaning
Cleaning should only be undertaken with the advice of an experienced conservator or
monumental mason. The value of cleaning should be weighed against the loss of patina
and character.
Inscriptions
New plaques should never be
attached to the front face of a
monument.
It is recognised that
descendants may wish to re-
inscribe inscriptions, however
it is noted that all inscriptions
have been recorded and are
available in the local library.
September 2013 | 38
Grave surrounds
As there are no grave surrounds remaining in Cathedral Park, any re-introduction of
fencing or railing around grave monuments should be done in a manner sympathetic to
the original and based on photographic evidence.
Re-instatement
If further landscaping is to be carried out at cemeteries or burial sites which have
previously been converted, the National Trust recommends that it should redress any
damage previously done to the cemetery.
The re-instatement of grave monuments in their original positions is recommended as an
option in cases where there are accurate surveys of a site prior to its conversion. This is
the case with Cathedral Park where the 1966 survey can be used as a reference point for
surveyors and archaeologist to accurately pinpoint the location of burials.
7.2 Design to enhance heritage significance
Cathedral Park comprises two distinct and separate sites - the former burial ground and
the site of Mulimbah – and it is recommended they should be interpreted as such.
However, it is important the physical transition between the two areas is safe and
comfortable, ensuring the park is used to the full extent.
The land owned by the Trustees of Christ Church Cathedral should be approached to
acquire the land between the two parts of the park that are currently physically separate.
The following concepts outline the options for the landscape design -
September 2013 | 39
Option 1 - Stabilise and re-set monuments to the position shown on
the 1966 burial plan
Restoration is defined in the Burra Charter as ‘returning the existing fabric of the
place to a known earlier state by removing accretions or by reassembling existing
components without the introduction of new material’. (Article 1.7 Burra Charter,
1999). It is considered appropriate where there is sufficient evidence of an earlier
state. As the burial ground was surveyed and recorded prior to park conversion,
the correct location of burial sites can be readily ascertained. It is feasible to re-
instate the headstones to the recorded burial position providing that the
monuments are stabilised to promote their survival. It is not proposed to introduce
new materials but where new footings are proposed there will be clear evidence
of the new works. This approach should be the basis for the re-design of the park
and to reveal its heritage significance. The monuments are to be repositioned to
face east.
This is the preferred and most sympathetic option to achieve the dual objectives
of heritage conservation and interpretation of the site.
Option 2 - Partial restoration
This option would involve a selective re-instatement of monuments to their
original positions, based on condition of monuments and original location being
suitable. It could concentrate on a particular area, for example in the vicinity of
the Hannell monument, and would provide visitors with a visual reminder.
Option 3 - The minimal approach
As a minimum, new landscaping should be devised in the immediate vicinity of
the monuments. It should aim to replace grass with some other ground treatment
such as compacted crushed granite. All monuments laying flat in the ground
should be carefully removed from the soil and re-instated in an upright position or
laid flat on the new surface. Planting around the area could include grasses,
bulbs or ground cover.
This is not the preferred option as it is does not satisfy all of the objectives for
park revitalisation and heritage conservation.
In general, the following recommendations are made in relation to design -
September 2013 | 40
o The adopted Master Plan for whole site (3 July 2012) be implemented;
o Investigate funding for interpretative art installations in the Park, that assist in
revealing insights about the history of the site and the city;
o Replace the aging park furniture and 1970s landscaping features;
o Plant creeper-vine along wire fence of Newcastle Club;
o Plant screening trees along northern side of King Street to give a green view
rather than a view of the carpark;
o Thin the tree canopy in the park to re-instate the visual links with city and
harbour. Remove intrusive vegetation and any vegetation that sits over or
adjacent to a recorded burial.
7.3 Maintenance
Mechanical equipment should not be used to control weeds and grass in close proximity
to any monument. All grass removal should be done by hand or by herbicide. An
example maintenance protocol for parks staff has been attached at Appendix F.
7.4 Interpretation
Provide high quality interpretation that explores issues relating to Cathedral Park
including changes over time, social and spiritual beliefs, economic and political influences
and significance of the site to the community. The key elements of an interpretive
strategy for the site could include:
• Landscape re-instatement
• Site signage
• Brochure
• Web site
• Guided tours
• Heritage trail
• Public Art
7.5 Security
Review and upgrade the lighting scheme within the park.
7.6 Risk Assessment & Disability Audit
A risk assessment should be undertaken on an annual basis to identify and correct
hazards. Also, as recommended in the Heritage Places Strategic Plan, a disability audit
for the site should be undertaken.
September 2013 | 41
7.7 Public Comment & Community Involvement
Stakeholders should be engaged and involved in decision making about the site,
particularly the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle; the Dean of Christ Church Cathedral; the
Gurakai Committee; Newcastle Now; the Newcastle Family History Society; the
Newcastle Club; the National Trust Hunter Region Committee; the Coal River Working
Party, the Hill Residents’ Group; and the Newcastle and Hunter District Historical Society;
Newcastle East Public School; and Newcastle Grammar School.
The Cemeteries Committee of the National Trust of Australia (NSW) provided advice on
this Conservation Management and Interpretation plan in its draft form. The committee
formally endorsed Landscape design Option 1 (following) in 2011. The Cemeteries officer
of the National Trust visited the site and has discussed the options for the park with
council staff and has urged that the park be managed as a significance heritage outdoor
museum, with the headstones managed akin to a museum collection.
September 2013 | 42
8.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY A Conservation Report and Lanscape Conceot for Minmi Cemetery. Newcastle: City of
Newcastle. (1997).
Austral Archaeology. (2004). Newcastle Cathedral Park Conservation Policy &
Archaeological Management Plan. Newcastle: City of Newcastle.
Australia ICOMOS. (1999). The Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of
Places of Cultural Significance (The Burra Charter). Melbourne: Australia ICOMOS.
City of Newcastle. (1966). Christ Church Cathedral, Newcastle, Register and Plan of
Burials 1966.
City of Newcastle. (2000). Heritage Places Strategic Plan and Plans of Management.
Newcastle: City of Newcastle.
Dain Simpson Associates and Godden Mackay. (2002). Newcastle East Heritage
Tourism Plan. Newcastle.
EJE Landscape. (1991). Extension to Cathedral Park and Mulibah Cottage Heritage
Study. Newcastle: City of Newcastle.
Engel, B. &. (2010). Christ Church Newcastle, NSW 1804-1900: Transcriptions and
Indexes of Baptism, Marriage and Burial Registers. Newcastle: Newcastle Family History
Society Inc.
Goold, W. (1951, May). Old Christ Church Cemetery. Newcastle and Hunter District
Historical Society Monthly Journal Vol 5 No VIII .
Graham Brooks & Associates Pty Ltd. (2003). Fort Scratchley Historic Site Interpretation
Plan. Newcastle: City of Newcastle.
Hunter, C. (2001). Coal River Tourism Project, Coal Rive Historic Site, Stage I: HIstorical
Analysis of Sites and related Historical and Cultural Infrastructure. Newcastle: City of
Newcastle.
Kerr, J. (2000). The Conservation Plan: A Guide to the preparation of conservation plans
for places of European cultural significance. Sydney: National Trust of Australia (NSW).
Lavelle, S. (1992). Cemeteries: Guidelines for their Care and Conservation. Sydney:
Department of Planning Heritage Council of NSW.
September 2013 | 43
Maitland, B. &. (1997). Architecture Newcastle: A Guide. Sydney: RAIA (Newcastle
Division).
Mayne-Wilson, W. (2004). Conservation Management Plan for Liverpool Pioneers'
Memorial Park Liverpool. Liverpool: Liverpool City Council.
Musescape Pty Ltd. (1996). Draft Guidelines for the Preparation of Conservation
Management Plans for Cemeteries. Sydney: Musescape Pty Ltd.
National Trust of Australia (NSW). (1985). Cemeteries: A Policy Paper. Sydney: National
Trust of Australia (NSW).
National Trust of Australia (NSW). (2002). Cemetery Conservation Guidelines. Sydney:
National Trust of Australia (NSW).
NSW Department of Lands. (1966). Christ Church Cathedal, Newcastle, Cemetery Act,
1966.
NSW Heritage Office. (1994). Guidelines for Heritage Trails. Sydney: NSW Heritage
Office.
NSW Heritage Office. (2005). Interpreting Heritage Place and Items Guidelines. Sydney:
NSW Heritage Office.
Suters Architects Snell. (2000). Conservation Works: Wolfe Street Sandstone Retaining
Wall. Newcastle: City of Newcastle.
Suters Architects Snell, L. M. (1997). Newcastle Archaeological Management Plan.
Newcastle: City of Newcastle.
Trousdale, M. (2000). The Hannell Monument: Heritage Impact Assessment. Newcastle:
City of Newcastle.
Vines, M. &. (2004). Historic South Australian Graves and Cemeteries: Conservation
Guidelines. Adelaide: South Australian Department for Environment and Heritage.
Walker, M. &.-K. (2004). The Illustrated Burra Charter: good practice for heritage places.
Melbourne: Australia ICOMOS.
September 2013 | 44
9.0 APPENDICES
September 2013 | 45
Appendix A Maintenance Survey, July 2006.
Horticultural Maintenance
Cathedral Park is maintained by staff based at King Edward Park. Typical maintenance
involves mowing, weed spraying, and rubbish removal but this occurs on an infrequent
basis. Given the steep slope, the number of bush rock walls throughout the site, issues
with mosquitos and thick tree cover, Cathedral Park is difficulty to maintain.
The placement of headstones flat on the ground, together with the growth of grass,
ground movement and lack of preventative management, means the headstones are
rapidly degrading. The maintenance practices in the park need to ensure procedures are
put in place to avoid damaging any of the headstones, including those flat on the ground.
A maintenance protocol and guidelines are attached at Appendix L.
Security
The site is accessible to the public at all times, and has very little lighting at night. Its
relative private and secluded position, screened by trees and high walls, means it is at
times visited by vandals, drinkers and drug users, although the steep access acts as a
positive deterrent.
Built Elements
Until 2007, there was no monitoring or maintenance of the surviving monuments. Since
2007, monitoring and stabilisation of the monuments has occurred. Ongoing care and
stabilisation of the monuments can be funded from Council’s Major Asset Presentation
Program (MAPPs).
Conservation Works
The Hannell Monument, situated on Church land, is in the process of being conserved.
This commenced in 2002 under a development consent issued for the removal of the
upper portion of the monument, its repair and the stabilisation and repair of the crypt.
Utilities
Power and water are located within the park and there is extensive storm water
management in the lower half of the central portion of the park. This creates opportunities
for additional lighting or events and would enable the watering of new plantings.
September 2013 | 46
Appendix B. Maintenance Guidelines
CATHEDRAL PARK MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES
The headstones in Cathedral Park are significant artefacts of the use of the park as a
place of human burial.
As the headstones are masonry and in advanced states of disrepair, it is important that
the headstones are treated as fragile objects that require care and maintenance.
1. Mechanical mowers and other lawn cutting machinery is not to be used in the
vicinity of a headstone;
2. Use low-toxicity herbicide to control lawn and weed growth around or near
headstones. Do not spray directly on stonework or when there is high wind.
Thank you for your assistance in preserving these important features for future
generations.
